HR Advisor

HR Advisor

The Watermill Theatre Closing date: Mon, 23 Nov 2026

Artform: Theatre
Role: Human Resources
Contract: Permanent
South East
  • Part time
  • £30k-£40k

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

We are looking for an HR Advisor who will provide a professional, practical and responsive HR service for the theatre, supporting managers, employees, casual workers and freelancers throughout the employee lifecycle.

Job Description

The role will help ensure that people practices are legally compliant, consistently applied and aligned with the Watermill's values, mission and commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing. We employ around 40 permanent staff, many on part time contracts and have around another 40 casual staff.

For a full Job Description, please see our website -
https://www.watermill.org.uk/jobs/hr-advisor

Job Requirements

Essential Criteria:
Experience in a generalist HR advisory role, including employee relations casework and HR administration
Good working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
Ability to advise managers confidently and sensitively on policies, procedures and people issues.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including accurate documentation and report writing.
Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities.
High level of discretion, confidentiality and professionalism.
Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, wellbeing and respectful working cultures.

Desirable Criteria:
CIPD Level 5 qualification, working towards it, or equivalent relevant experience
Experience in a theatre, arts, cultural, charity or not-for-profit environment
Experience supporting casual, freelance, fixed-term or irregular-hours workforce.
Experience delivering HR training, briefings or manager coaching.

Job Responsibilities

HR Advice and Employee Relations:
Act as a first point of contact for HR queries, providing clear, pragmatic and confidential advice to managers and staff
Support managers with employee relations matters including conduct, capability, grievance, absence, performance, probation and flexible working requests
Coach managers to apply HR policies consistently, fairly and in line with current UK employment legislation
Maintain accurate, confidential HR records and employee files in accordance with UK GDPR and organisational retention requirements
Use HR systems and spreadsheets to record absence, training, recruitment, employee relations activity and workforce data
Prepare HR reports and people metrics for senior leaders, including turnover, absence, recruitment activity and training compliance
Help managers plan effectively around rehearsals, productions, performances, touring, seasonal peaks and irregular working patterns.

Useful Links

Job Overview

  • Job Title: HR Advisor
  • Salary: £30k-£40k (pro-rata)
  • Hours: Part time
  • Artform: Theatre
  • Role: Human Resources
  • Contract: Permanent
  • Closing date: Mon, 23 Nov 2026
  • Location:
    South East
    | view on Google Maps

Job: HR Advisor

Job: HR Advisor

Organisation: The Watermill Theatre

Postcode: RG20 8AE

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV and Cover Letter to [email protected]

Applications will close at midday on 23 Nov 2026.